Minnesota Teen Challenge relaunching outpatient program

Over the past couple years, the Duluth location of Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge added 18 beds, raising the total available from 54 to 72. There is still a waitlist.

"Substance use is increasing because of the impact of mental health," Treatment Director Becky Revier said.

She said they are witnessing the strain of the pandemic, especially on frontline workers.

"We’re seeing a lot of late onset alcoholism. So we’re seeing people at much older ages developing alcoholism than we used to," Revier said.

After pausing for the pandemic, Teen Challenge is relaunching outpatient treatment for addiction.

While inpatient only caters to men in Duluth, outpatient is offered to both men and women.

"The outpatient program is really working well for people who have other commitments," Revier said.

She’s finding it’s a good fit for people who work second shift, those who have kids, or people who can’t step away from their careers for an inpatient program.

The outpatient option runs eight weeks, although it’s flexible. People start by coming in four days a week for about three hours a day, then tapering to two, then moving to transitional care. Revier said there’s a clear need for it.

"We are seeing record overdose deaths," she said. "And we would love to see a time when we need to find new jobs. I mean, isn’t that the truth?"

They hope an outpatient option is a step in that direction.

"In addiction, people get to the point where they just completely lose hope," Revier said. "We want to remind them, you’re not alone. We are here for you. We’re a community of people who believe that change can happen, even in the middle of a pandemic, because we see it happen."

While there is a waitlist for the inpatient program, there is space now for outpatient treatment. Click here for more information.